ASHLEY Vincent is backing his old boss Paul Lambert to get the best from ex-Worcester City defender Levi Andoh at Ipswich Town.

The 19-year-old will link up with the Tractor Boys from January having moved from City to Midland Football League Division Two outfit Solihull United earlier this season.

Andoh signed from Cradley Town in February and made six appearances in blue and white under John Snape once international clearance came through.

He remained with City having been invited back for pre-season by former assistant and new boss Vincent, who played professionally under Town’s first-team manager Lambert at Colchester United.

His only appearance this season was from the bench in a 4-1 FA Cup victory over Stone Old Alleynians with the Dutch-born prospect plundering the final goal.

“To be fair to the young man he has clearly made an impression over there and got himself 18 months at a fantastic football club,” said Vincent.

“I lived in Ipswich when I was at Colchester, they have a real passion for football there and do things properly.

“My old manager from Colchester is there now and Levi could wish for no one better to learn from than Paul Lambert, particularly with the sides of the game he needs to learn.

“Paul is a great coach but his man management and how he draws the best from you and makes you a better person is second to none. As a young man that was the side Levi needed to learn to progress.

“It is impossible to pinpoint how he does it because you don’t actually know it is going on, he just has a certain way with people and groups where you just become a winner.

“He is not one to take you in his office to have a conversation, he is not sociable so to speak but he is a fantastic motivator without you realising what he is doing.

“It is only when you go somewhere else that you realise the value of him and what he gives you.

“Levi will learn very quickly that he needs to have a resilience because that is a must for Paul Lambert.”

On Andoh’s credentials, Vincent added: “Athletically there is probably no better 19-year-old out there and they have seen that potential to work with to try to make a Football League player out of.

“They have a young man who needs some patience, coaching and guidance but one that is very willing to work, honest and ambitious to play at a really good level.

“He is desperate to play football for the right reasons and while there are lots of those out there it is another great element to have going into that environment.

“He has the raw attributes and it is a big opportunity for him.”

Having struggled to break into the first team at City, many fans may be surprised at the move and Vincent is confident his current crop have the ability to follow in Andoh's footsteps.

“You never foresee things like this and for me, I have a player that should play in the Football League in Liam Lockett, there is no doubt about that,” said Vincent.

“There are a couple of others knocking on the door to have very good careers as well, if they knuckle down and improve their games they have a chance.

“Taking nothing away from Levi, Liam is probably the best player I have worked with, played with, seen train or trained with. The kid has magic.

“I am hoping he has a long and successful career, not only because he deserves it as a footballer but as a person he is different class.”